Paraffinoma - A rare complication after endonasal surgery.

Background: Paraffin is a mineral oil which was discovered by Reichenbach i n 1830. Injection of paraffin into tissue causes a foreign body reaction th at results in the formation of a paraffinoma. Methods: We are reporting on two cases of paranasal paraffinomas, in a 30-year-old male three months aft er a septorhinoplasty in which paraffin nasal packing was used and in a 56- year-old female patient two months after sinus surgery. Results: A paraffin oma is probably caused by penetration of paraffin through a mucous membrane defect into the adjacent soft tissue. Paraffinomas are usually treated by excision. Although recurrences are frequent, a complete removal should be a ttempted because of the potential carcinogenicity of paraffin. Conclusion: Paraffinomas must be considered in the differential diagnosis of periorbita l or paranasal swellings that occur months after endonasal procedures where paraffin packing was used.